Where To Play Latest Commitment?

September 15, 2009|Posted by Shandel Richardson on September 15, 2009 05:58 PM

CORAL GABLES — On Tuesday, Boston College High senior Andrew Tallman became UM's 17th verbal commitment for the 2010 class.

The question is where will he play? Tallman plays defensive end and tight end for his high school. He wants to play TE in college. At 6-6, 260, he may be more suited for offensive line.

Regardless, the Hurricanes have a very athletically and talented player.

Tallman was an unknown on the football scene because of limited experience. He only began playing as a ninth-grader, and injuries have kept him off the field most of his career. He missed his sophomore season when the tip of his right middle finger was severed after it was slammed in a door at home. The family called it a "freak accident."

"The finger tip was on the ground," Tallman said. "It was pretty gross."

The finger was reattached, but Tallman missed most of his junior year with a hamstring and hip injury. After finally regaining his health, he impressed during the spring and summer camp circuit to gain the attention of several colleges

Virginia was at the top of the list, but that changed after the season started because a coaching change is likely. Couple that with UM's impressive win at FSU, and choosing the Hurricanes became easy.

Still, Tallman remains a "raw" player, according to his brother, Alan, who is the linebackers coach at Boston College High. Alan Tallman also played at the University of New Hampshire. Alan said his younger brother may best be suited as an offensive line because of athleticism.

Andrew Tallman is also a track standout in the discus (he holds the state record) and competes in the 110-meter high hurdles. He also runs a 4.8 in the 40.

"I could see him as an offensive lineman," Alan Tallman said. "He's a big body. He's got long arms. He'd be a very athletic offensive tackle. But he could play tight end. He's a tweener."